American Pope Leo XIV Ascends to Papacy, Villanova Celebrates

A wave of emotion swept through St. Peter’s Square as Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced to the world the election of the new pontiff: Pope Leo XIV. Born Robert Francis Prevost, the Chicago native’s ascension to the papal seat, succeeding the late Pope Francis on May 8, 2025, marks a historic moment as the first American to hold the position. The announcement followed four rounds of conclave voting by the 133 members of the College of Cardinals.

The world now turns its attention to Pope Leo XIV, seeking to understand the qualities that made him papabile – worthy of the title Vicar of Christ. As the global community analyzes his character and potential, one place in particular, a small community of around 10,000 people, is overflowing with pride: Villanova, Pennsylvania.

“DIO BENEDICA IL PAPA,” read messages of well wishes in Italian, reflecting the global Catholic community’s joy.

"It’s a super-happy day for all Catholics to have a new pope," Patrick Brennan, Chair of Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova University, exclaimed in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I was sitting in the studio when I discovered, as everyone else did, that it was a Villanova graduate who was now the pope. Pope Leo XIV is a graduate of the Class of 1977."

Villanova University, a private Catholic institution located 12 miles outside of Philadelphia, boasts a student body of 6,700 undergraduates and 3,100 graduate and law students, according to its website. For the university community, Pope Leo XIV’s election is more than just a point of pride; it’s a testament to the values and education the university instills.

"It’s a hometown boy not just makes good but breaks all the molds," Brennan remarked. "We have an American pope."

Despite prevailing skepticism about the Sacred College electing an American pontiff, Brennan expressed his excitement upon hearing the announcement of Prevost’s election. "The people that I know who know him think that he’s a wonderful priest," Brennan stated. "He’s been a wonderful member of the Augustinian order, and we know that Pope Francis has entrusted him with great responsibilities. It’s a happy day." Prevost was elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Francis in 2023, a clear indication of the late pontiff’s confidence in his abilities.

The Augustinian religious order, officially known as the Order of Saint Augustine and deeply inspired by the teachings of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, has played a significant role in Pope Leo XIV’s formation. Established in the 13th century, the order emphasizes community, service, and the pursuit of knowledge.

"The Augustinians are not as well-known in the United States as the Jesuits are, [but] are an important part of the life of the American church," Brennan explained. Pope Francis, a Jesuit himself, broke ground as the first member of a religious order to serve as pontiff in centuries. Pope Leo XIV’s election continues this historical trend.

"Though they don’t have the presence that the Jesuits do, they do an amazing job," Brennan said of the Augustinians. "This will give a huge vote of confidence for them about the work they’re doing in the Church."

The Augustinians’ influence extends beyond religious service. In 1842, they founded Villanova University, initially located in downtown Philadelphia before relocating to its current suburban campus, renowned for its picturesque landscape and architectural beauty.

"When [Pope Leo XIV] would have been in Villanova in the 1970s, it was a beautiful suburban campus of a small Catholic liberal arts college with high standards and a great love of the Catholic tradition and a whole lot of Villanova spirit," Brennan recalled. "When I came to Villanova, I was stunned, and I still am, by the incredible enthusiasm Villanova students and alumni have for their experience and for the Villanova community."

Pope Leo XIV marked his election by reciting the prayer of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, alongside the world. "I think that that was one of the ways he symbolized his traditional piety," Brennan noted. "His desire to signal to the world that he’s a Catholic who prays the way that Catholics traditionally do."

Pope Francis was known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led to his decision to be buried in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. "Choosing to pray the Hail Mary was a signal of continuity and piety," Brennan said, highlighting the new pope’s awareness of the symbolic weight of his actions.

Finally, Brennan speculated on the significance of the chosen papal name. "He jumped over a whole century, back to the name of a pope who died in 1903 who left the Church a huge legacy of deep understanding of the place of a human person and the Catholic Church in the modern world," Brennan elaborated. "I think Pope Leo XIV, by choosing that name, is attaching himself to a legacy that he can, and I believe intends to, open for a world that’s changed a great deal and needs new light and understanding of the kind he probably associates and finds in the world of Pope Leo XIII."

The election of Pope Leo XIV heralds a new chapter for the Catholic Church. His American background, Augustinian formation, and dedication to traditional piety promise a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the global Catholic community in the 21st century. As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV embarks on his pontificate, carrying with him the prayers and hopes of millions. And in Villanova, Pennsylvania, a small university community stands tall, basking in the light of its most distinguished alumnus.